The Hop’s Origin
Brewer’s Gold is a hop variety originally developed in England in the early 20th century. It was first bred in 1919 by Professor E. S. Salmon at Wye College in Kent, England. The hop is a cross between a wild male hop from Manitoba, Canada, and an English female hop. It was then commercially released in 1934 and subsequently introduced to the United States in the 1950s, where it gained popularity among brewers for its strong bittering qualities.
Characteristics: Aroma and Flavor Profile
The aroma and flavor profile of Brewer’s Gold is relatively complex, with a mix of fruity, spicy, and resiny characteristics. Its aroma is often described as blackcurrant, fruitcake, and spicy, while its flavor profile has notes of herbal and earthy tones with a mild fruitiness. Brewer’s Gold’s unique characteristics make it a popular choice among brewers who want to add a distinctive character to their beers.
Alpha and Beta Acids, and Oil Composition
Brewer’s Gold has a relatively high alpha acid content, typically ranging from 8% to 10%. Its beta acid content is more moderate, ranging between 3.5% and 4.5%. The total oil content of Brewer’s Gold is around 1.0 to 2.5 mL/100g. Here is a breakdown of its oil composition:
- B-Pinene: 0.5% of total oils
- Myrcene: 35% of total oils
- Linalool: 0.5% of total oils
- Caryophyllene: 10% of total oils
- Farnesene: 0.5% of total oils
- Humulene: 40% of total oils
- Geraniol: 0.5% of total oils
- Oil other: 12.5% of total oils
Please note that the percentages of total oils may vary slightly due to the natural variation in hop plants.
Beer Styles and Usage
Brewer’s Gold is a versatile hop variety suitable for use in various beer styles. Its strong bittering characteristics make it ideal for use in English ales, barley wines, porters, and stouts, where it can provide a solid backbone of bitterness. Additionally, its unique aroma and flavor profile can be effectively used in pale ales and IPAs, adding depth and complexity to the beer’s overall character.
Conclusion
Brewer’s Gold is a hop variety with a rich history, originating in England in the early 20th century. Its complex aroma and flavor profile, characterized by fruity, spicy, and resiny notes, make it a popular choice among homebrewers and professional brewers alike. With high alpha acids and moderate beta acids, Brewer’s Gold is ideal for adding bitterness to a range of beer styles, including English ales, barley wines, porters, stouts, pale ales, and IPAs. Its unique combination of characteristics makes Brewer’s Gold an excellent choice for those looking to experiment with new flavors and enhance the character of their beers.
